Union County 4-H Grill Masters have had a sizzling season, showcasing their grilling skills, teamwork, and dedication at the 3rd Annual Union County 4-H Grill Masters Competition and the 2026 Region 4-H Grill Masters Challenge.

The 3rd Annual County Grill Masters Competition gave local 4-H members an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in preparing chicken, beef, pork, and lamb. After plenty of practice and hard work, youth competed for top honors in each meat category.

County Competition Winners

In the chicken category, Luke Groce earned first place, followed by Annabelle Groce in second, Caleb Firkin in third, and Caleb Miller in fourth.

In beef, Silas Cox took first place, followed by Sam Davidson in second, Jaxson Moore in third, and Zoey Miller in fourth.

Virginia Firkin earned first place in pork, with Jude Firkin placing second, Aspen Davis third, Colt Davis fourth, and Mason Moore fifth.

In the lamb category, Madeleine Groce claimed first place, followed by Asher Firkin in second.

Union County 4-H Grill Masters continued their success at the 2026 Region 4-H Grill Masters Challenge on August 19. Youth competed on junior, junior high, and senior high teams, representing Union County in four meat categories.

Regional Competition Results

The junior team earned fourth place overall. Team members included Jaxson Moore in beef, Luke Groce in poultry, Coral Davis in lamb, and Mason Moore in pork. Individual highlights included Luke Groce placing fourth in poultry, Jaxson Moore placing seventh in beef, Zoey Miller placing eighth in beef, Coral Davis placing sixth in lamb, and Mason Moore placing eighth in pork. Caleb Firkin also earned ninth place in poultry.

The junior high team placed 12th overall, with Silas Cox competing in beef, Caleb Miller in poultry, Asher Firkin in lamb, and Aspen Davis in pork. Aspen Davis earned an impressive third-place finish in the pork category.

The senior high team brought home the regional championship, earning first place overall and securing a spot at the State 4-H Grill Masters Challenge. Team members included Sam Davidson in beef, Annabelle Groce in poultry, Madeleine Groce in lamb, and Colt Davis in pork.

Senior high individual results included Madeleine Groce earning first place in lamb, Sam Davidson placing fifth in beef, Jude Firkin placing seventh in pork, Colt Davis placing eighth in pork, and Annabelle Groce placing ninth in poultry.

The senior high team's regional victory was a significant accomplishment and an opportunity to represent Union County 4-H at the state level.

The Union County 4-H program extends a sincere thank-you to the judges who shared their time and expertise, as well as the parents and families whose encouragement, transportation, and support make these opportunities possible. Their involvement helps youth develop valuable skills and confidence both on and off the grill.

Congratulations to all the Union County 4-H Grill Masters for their accomplishments throughout the season. Their hard work, sportsmanship, and commitment to learning reflect the positive impact of 4-H youth development programs in the community.

Senior High Team Advances to State Competition

Following their first-place finish at the regional competition, the Union County 4-H Senior High Grill Masters team will advance to the State 4-H Grill Masters Challenge on November 4, 2026, at the William P. Ridley 4-H Center, located at 850 Lion Parkway, Columbia, Tennessee 38401.

Team members Sam Davidson, Annabelle Groce, Madeleine Groce, and Colt Davis will represent Union County as they compete against other top 4-H grilling teams from across Tennessee. The team is looking forward to putting their skills, teamwork, and months of practice to the test on the state stage.

Union County 4-H is proud of these youth and wishes them the best of luck as they represent their county at the state competition!

Youth interested in learning more about the Union County 4-H Grill Masters program may contact Sarah Stokely-Cook at the Union County Extension Office at 865-992-8038 or madsstok@utk.edu.